UNB, Dhaka

The government has directed private hospitals across the country to provide free treatment to dengue patients in at least 10 percent of their beds, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said yesterday.

“Under the new directive, private hospitals will reserve 10 percent of their beds for dengue patients and waive doctors’ consultation fees for those receiving treatment. Patients will only have to bear the costs of medicines and meals,” the minister told reporters after a meeting on dengue prevention and preparedness.

Besides, private hospitals have been asked to offer discounts of up to 80 percent on diagnostic tests for dengue patients, he said.

Meanwhile, all private hospitals must submit detailed information to the health ministry within the next three days, including the number of beds allocated for dengue patients, the stock of saline and other essential fluids, and their future procurement plans.

Regarding dengue vaccination, the minister said that although dengue vaccines are being used in some countries, they have not yet gained universal acceptance.

“Bangladesh will not launch

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